"I've been witness to the character of the people of America, who have shown calm in times of danger, compassion for one another, and toughness for the long haul. All of us have been partners in a
great enterprise."
–President George W. Bush
The peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential Administration to the next is a hallmark of American democracy.
With our Nation at war, our homeland targeted by terrorist adversaries, and our economy facing serious challenges, the
Administration is committed to establishing and executing a transition plan that minimizes disruption, maintains
continuity, and addresses the major changes in government since the 2000 transition, including the Intelligence Reform
and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as well as the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Director of
National Intelligence, and the Homeland Security Council.
The United States is committed to the advance of freedom and democracy as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism. The most powerful weapon in the struggle against extremism is the universal appeal of freedom. Freedom is the best way to unleash the creativity and economic potential of a nation, the only ordering of a society that leads to justice, and the only way to achieve and permanently protect human rights.
President Bush has outlined decisive government action to preserve and sustain America's financial system and economy. This is a pivotal moment for America's economy. Problems that originated in the credit markets – and first showed up in the area of subprime mortgages – have spread throughout our financial system. As a result, the government is acting now to protect our Nation's economic health from serious risk.
Former Prime Minister John Howard of Australia, smiles as President George W. Bush presents him with the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, during ceremonies in the East Room of the White House. Established in 1963, the Medal may be presented to "any person who has made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, or world peace or cultural or other significant public or private endeavors." White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President Bush on Tuesday said, "Each of these gentlemen we honor today has his own style and personality, and each has amassed distinctions and achievements that belong to him alone. Yet all of them have shown a firm adherence to the principles of freedom and democratic values, and a willingness to face problems squarely instead of passing them on to others. They're the sort of guys who look you in the eye and tell you the truth and keep their word. In lengthy service they proved to be leaders of character and fortitude. They are warm friends of the United States of America. The opportunity to know them and work with them has been among the great satisfactions of my time as President. I respect them and I admire them. And now I ask the military aide to read the citations, and it will be my honor to present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tony Blair, John Howard, Alvaro Uribe." En Español Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Honor
President Bush on Tuesday said, "It has been a true pleasure to work with President Calderón. He's a man of conviction, he is a man of principle, and he is a man who's willing to take on tough challenges. I appreciate every meeting I've had with him." En Español In Focus: Global Diplomacy
President Bush on Tuesday said, "I want to thank an extraordinary group of American citizens who have served our country as members of my Cabinet. Everybody around this table here could have taken the easy road and stayed home and worried about their own comforts, but instead they answered the call to service. And the country is lucky to have folks like this step up and serve." En Español In Focus: Bush Record
President Bush on Monday said, "And so here at the last press conference, I'm interested in answering some of your questions. But mostly I'm interested in saying thank you for the job." En Español In Focus: The Bush Record
In his weekly radio address, President Bush said, "This week, I gave my official farewell speech to the men and women of America's Armed Forces in a ceremony at Fort Myer, Virginia. For the past eight years, I have had no higher honor than serving as the Commander-in-Chief of these brave patriots. And when Laura and I depart for Texas later this month, we will take with us many inspiring memories of the valor that we have seen these brave Americans display time and again." En Español Audio In Focus: Defense